Chapter 31: It's Coming Out!
"What, Yamcha? Thinking about why you weren't a better boyfriend to Bulma?" Tights approached the dark-haired man with a mocking smile. "Well, too bad! My sister is now with the best man in the world—and the most handsome of all."
Yamcha stood with his head down, staring at the ground. The news that Goku was not only Bulma's boyfriend but also the father of her firstborn had hit him hard.
A few years ago, he had been the one by Bulma's side. But he had taken her for granted, and eventually, his actions drove her away. Now, as he reflected on his past mistakes, he realized just how special and irreplaceable she was. He had been lucky to have her once—but he hadn't appreciated it. The old saying, "You don't know what you have until you lose it," had never felt more fitting.
Who would have thought that innocent, carefree Goku would end up with a woman like Bulma? Not even Yamcha himself would have bet on that outcome. But it was reality, and there was nothing he could do to change it.
"You're right… I've been a fool all these years," Yamcha admitted, his voice steady. The others, who had been quietly observing, listened intently. "Bulma is an incredible woman. I didn't realize it until it was too late. But no matter how much I regret it, I can't turn back time. All I can do now is support her during her pregnancy and be there for my friend Goku. I wish them both the best."
"..."
The room fell silent. No one had expected such a mature response from Yamcha. Even Master Roshi, who had trained him, felt a sense of pride.
Maybe I misjudged him… Tights thought to herself, bringing a finger to her chin as she studied Yamcha.
"I'm sorry I mocked your feelings, Yamcha," she apologized sincerely. "It wasn't my place, and you've proven that even someone like you can grow into a better person."
Yamcha smiled at her words, and Puar chirped in agreement, praising his speech.
Just then, the door to the room opened, drawing everyone's attention.
"I told him not to eat sweets, and the next day, he made me six cakes! Can you believe it?" Bulma said, smiling as she walked in, hand in hand with Goku.
"If I'd been there, I would've eaten those cakes," Yamcha commented with a smirk. "Why didn't you call me?"
"It's not surprising. You'd probably start eating random objects next," Bulma teased playfully. "I'd better not give you any ideas."
"It's not like I can eat a bed," Goku replied sarcastically, making Bulma burst into laughter.
The warmth between them was undeniable. Even Chi-Chi, who had initially been skeptical, found herself silently admitting that they looked good together.
"They seem happy," Tights remarked with a smile, glancing at Bulma.
Bulma blushed slightly, but before she could respond, her expression suddenly shifted.
"I-I think…" she stammered, pressing her hands against her stomach. Her face paled. "I-I think my water just broke! Tights, call a doctor!"
Goku scratched the back of his head, confused. "What water?"
Bulma nearly collapsed in frustration. Of course, Goku had no idea what "water breaking" meant.
Tights sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Breaking water means the amniotic sac has ruptured, and the fluid surrounding the baby is coming out. In other words, she's going into labor! Someone get a nurse, now!"
A nurse arrived moments later with a wheelchair but hesitated when she saw Bulma.
"Um… I'm sorry, but we don't handle deliveries here," the nurse said hesitantly. "This hospital doesn't have a maternity ward or midwives."
Tights clenched her jaw in frustration. "Are you kidding me?!" She quickly checked her phone. "Damn it… the nearest hospital is four thousand kilometers away!"
"What do we do?" someone asked, tension rising in the room.
Bulma groaned, gripping Goku's hand tightly. The contractions were getting worse.
"I… I don't think I can hold on much longer!" she gasped.
"I've assisted in childbirth before," Chi-Chi suddenly spoke up, drawing everyone's attention. "If the hospital can provide us with a clean room, cloths, and hot water, I can handle the rest."
"You…?" Tights blinked in surprise.
Chi-Chi nodded firmly. "I came to Papaya Island planning to marry Goku, so I prepared myself for any situation—including home births."
The nurse hesitated, glancing at Bulma, then at Chi-Chi. Finally, she sighed. "I need to check with the hospital director first."
"Hurry up!" Tights snapped, supporting her sister. "Bulma, try to breathe and stay calm. Everything will be fine."
Bulma clenched her jaw and squeezed Goku's hand as another contraction hit.
Goku, for the first time, felt genuinely nervous. He had faced powerful enemies before, but nothing had ever felt as overwhelming as seeing Bulma in pain.
This is happening. Our baby is coming.
Hours Later
"KEEP PUSHING, BULMA!"
Chi-Chi's voice rang out as she knelt at the foot of the hospital bed, holding a clean cloth. Bulma was drenched in sweat, gripping Goku's hand with all her strength.
"AAAHH!!!" Bulma screamed, her entire body shaking from exhaustion. Five hours of labor, and the baby still hadn't fully emerged.
Goku, standing beside her, held her hand—or rather, she was crushing his. He had donned a light blue hospital robe and cap, though his messy black hair still poked out.
"Does it hurt a lot, Bulma?" he asked innocently.
CRACK.
"HOW COULD IT NOT HURT, YOU IDIOT?!" Bulma roared, a giant vein popping on her temple as she tightened her grip.
"MY HAND!" Goku yelped, eyes wide in terror. Great… now I'll have to learn to write with my left hand…
Chi-Chi ignored their antics, focusing on the task at hand. "The baby is coming!" she called out. Carefully, she guided a tiny, crying bundle into the world, cutting the umbilical cord with practiced ease.
A shrill cry filled the room.
Bulma gasped, eyes filling with tears as Chi-Chi wrapped the newborn in a blanket and placed her in Bulma's arms.
Goku watched in awe. His daughter. His little girl. He felt a strange, overwhelming emotion—one he couldn't quite put into words. It was more than happiness. More than pride. It was something new, something powerful.
Bulma looked up at him, tears streaking her face. "We did it, Goku… this is our daughter."
With shaky hands, Goku took the baby from her, holding her just as he had practiced with Bulma in the months leading up to this moment. But no amount of practice could have prepared him for the real thing. She was so small. So perfect.
Bulma, exhausted, closed her eyes, a soft smile on her lips. Chi-Chi watched the scene, touched by the moment.
"Thank you, Chi-Chi," Goku said sincerely, his onyx eyes shining with gratitude.
Chi-Chi smiled. "That's what friends are for." She turned to leave, ready to inform the others that everything had gone smoothly.
As Goku gazed down at his daughter, he suddenly felt a presence—his grandfather, Gohan. It was as if he were watching over him at that very moment. A single tear slid down Goku's cheek.
"Daughter…" he whispered. "I won't let anything happen to you or your mother. Thank you both for coming into my life… You are the best thing that has ever happened to me, and I promise to protect you."